Travel expert calls for stronger powers to tackle poor airline behavior

If you’ve experienced the frustration of a delayed flight, you’ll understand the importance of punctuality when it comes to air travel. With so many options for short-haul flights in the UK, it’s essential to know which airlines are leading the way in terms of efficiency and reliability. Unfortunately, a recent report has revealed the worst offender for delays in the country, and the results may surprise you. Despite many affordable options available, one airline stands out as the worst choice for those seeking a timely journey. In this article, we explore which short-haul airline was ranked as the worst for delays in the UK last year and what this news means for travellers.


The Civil Aviation Authority should be granted more robust powers to deal with poor airline behavior, according to a travel expert. This comes as the regulator’s data revealed that Wizz Air was the worst major airline for flight delays from the UK in 2022. Departures with the Hungarian airline were an average of 46 minutes and six seconds behind schedule last year, more than three times longer than the previous year. Tui was ranked second worst, followed by Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Pegasus Airlines. On the other hand, Norwegian Air Shuttle was the most punctual. The average delay for all departures from UK airports by airlines with more than 2,500 flights was 23 minutes. Editor of magazine Which? Travel, Rory Boland, expressed concern about the lack of powers available to regulators to punish airlines who break the law, including withholding refunds. He urged the government to give the CAA effective powers to clamp down on poor airline behavior, including handing out hefty fines. The airlines have been investing huge resources into increased resilience for upcoming summer breaks, according to a spokesperson for trade body Airlines UK.


In conclusion, delays are an unfortunate reality of air travel. However, with the information provided in this article, travelers can make informed decisions on which airline to choose when flying short-haul within the UK. It’s important to remember that despite an airline’s reputation for delays, there are sometimes external factors beyond their control. As always, it’s best to plan ahead, arrive early, and prepare for potential delays to ensure a stress-free travel experience. Safe travels!